Everything You Need to Know About Kitchen Countertop Maintenance

Modern kitchen sink with marble countertop and backsplash, glass jars on the right.

Updated June 2024

If you’re like most people, your kitchen countertops are one of the most important features in your home. They are a central gathering place for family and friends, and they need to be able to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use. That’s why it’s important to understand your countertop material so that you can care for it like a pro. It’s also vital to protect your countertops with a quality sealant that will prevent scratches and staining.

At Granite & Marble Solutions, we offer top-of-the-line countertop protection products that will keep your countertops looking beautiful for years to come.

Understanding Your Countertop Material

One of the most important things that you need to know before understanding the ins and outs of kitchen countertop maintenance is the type of material that your counter is made of. Different materials require different maintenance tricks. What works for wood might not work for granite, and what works for marble might not work for quartz or porcelain. At Granite & Marble Solutions, we create premium quality, artisan countertops using the highest quality stone.

Let’s explore the various stone materials we use before delving into maintenance tips.

Granite: Granite has been hailed as one of the strongest stones, making it a brilliant choice for kitchen countertops. Since it’s less porous than other stones, it’s also durable against staining, making it a great option for those who like to get experimental in the kitchen. Available in a diverse range of colors and patterns — including solid, speckled, and marbled — there is a granite tile to suit every aesthetic and style. Granite is a low-maintenance material that offers great longevity when used on countertops.
Marble: Marble has been used for millennia, crafted by ancient civilizations to create historical monuments still revered to this day. Embodying absolute elegance and sophistication, it adds great value to any home. Marble is incredibly luxurious, and no two slabs look the same, adding to its uniqueness. It’s also heat resistant, meaning that you can enjoy those cook-offs with peace of mind. Nonetheless, since it’s a little softer than other materials, it can be prone to etching and staining, meaning that you’ll need to give those countertops some extra TLC when it comes to gentle cleaning and general use. We’ll always advise a professional sealant to extend your marble countertop’s lifespan.
Porcelain: Made from clay and other trace materials, porcelain countertops have risen in popularity in recent years. Boasting a modern aesthetic, durability against scratches, and UV resistance, these countertops are great for inside and outside use. As a non-porous stone, porcelain countertops won’t stain, making them perfect for bustling kitchens. Unlike other stones, porcelain also offers homeowners more predictable choices when it comes to color, making it great for those with a specific design in mind. While porcelain is incredibly durable against scratches, it is crackable under heavy pressure, so keep the hammers away! Porcelain countertops pair beautifully with light-toned wood and bold accent utilities.
Quartz: Quartz is a human-made, engineered material that is popular in kitchens around the world. Known for its great durability and resilience, it’s a great option for residential and commercial spaces. At Granite & Marble Solutions, we have an endless range of quartz options for you to explore.
Quartzite: You might be wondering about the difference between quartz and quartzite. While quartz countertops are man-made, quartzite occurs naturally. Quartzite comes in an eclectic array of patterns and designs, and it is known for being durable, heat-resistant, and low-maintenance. Our experts at Granite & Marble Solutions will professionally seal quartzite countertops to maintain their strength.
Wood: While we don’t manufacture wooden countertops, they deserve a mention. Wooden countertops are beautiful and homely, adding immense warmth to any home. Unfortunately, they are also vulnerable to warping and dents and need a lot of maintenance. Poorly treated wood can become a breeding ground for bacteria, so it’s imperative that it’s properly sealed and treated regularly to keep it in tip-top condition. Stone countertops offer a more robust and durable option, and if you love the wooden look, they pair wonderfully with wooden cabinetry and accent pieces.
Soapstone: Renowned for its milky appearance and smooth texture, soapstone is a go-to material for those who value functionality and style. This stone is naturally non-porous, making it highly resistant to stains and bacteria. Soapstone requires minimal maintenance; however, periodic oiling is recommended to enhance its natural veining and deep color. It’s ideal for those who love a kitchen that grows in character, as soapstone develops an attractive patina that gets better with age.

If you’re unsure about what stone countertop material to choose, you’re welcome to browse our online gallery of stone options or visit your nearest showroom. Visiting our showrooms and seeing the stone in real life can help guide your decision.

Selecting the right color and pattern for your countertop is a big decision. Darker stones add a bolder, more dramatic feel to rooms and look stunning in bigger kitchens, whereas lighter hues are often ideal for smaller spaces and bathrooms. As always, we’re on hand to help every step of the way and find a countertop that inspires you and completes your dream home.

Browse our showroom gallery.

Maintenance Dos and Don’ts

Once you understand your countertop material, you’ll have a better idea of how to properly care for it. Before we get into the nitty-gritty of countertop protection, deep cleaning, stain removal, and sealant, let’s explore some basic dos and don’ts.

The Dos

Professionally seal your stone countertop to prevent potential damage or staining.
Maintain sealant regularly.
Clean the countertop daily with a soft cloth and a gentle dish soap mix or with a neutral cleaner.
Do use trivets and cutting boards where possible to protect countertops from scratches and general wear and tear.
Do reach out to our friendly team when you need advice or help.

The Don’ts

Don’t leave spills unattended, especially on porous materials like marble.
Don’t try to seal countertops without professional help.
Don’t cut or chop produce directly on the countertop, as this causes chipping.
Don’t use abrasive cleaners filled with heavy chemicals.
Don’t sit on countertops, as excess weight can cause cracking.

Deep Cleaning and Stain Removal

When thinking about kitchen countertop maintenance, the products you use make all the difference. That’s why it’s important to choose a company like Granite & Marble Solutions that offers high-quality countertop protection products. We have the experience and expertise to help you choose the right sealer for your chosen stone.

Stain protection: It’s important to choose a sealer that will protect your countertops from staining, especially if you have marble ones. Spills happen in any kitchen, and when they do, you want to be sure that your countertops won’t be stained. A good quality stain-resistant sealer from Granite & Marble Solutions will keep your countertops looking new, even after years of use. If you’re unsure about what this entails, chat with our friendly team, and we will gladly advise you.
Clean gently: Deep cleaning doesn’t mean you need to use the most abrasive chemical cleaners to get rid of stains. While some materials like porcelain and granite aren’t prone to staining, others like marble are. In the event of a spillage, create a paste with baking soda and water, place it over the stain, let it dry, and gently wipe away.

Browse our showroom gallery.

Explore Our Infinity Stain Protection Warranty

Various samples of stone countertops in different colors and textures.

If you are going to invest in quality countertops, it’s likely you want to invest in their longevity, too. The Infinity Stain Protection Warranty from Granite & Marble Solutions gives you the ultimate peace of mind. This comprehensive warranty package is available as an add-on for a range of countertop materials and offers the following benefits thanks to an upgraded sealer:

Lifetime protection against countertop stains for homeowners
10-Year warranty protection on granite countertops in commercial settings
One-year full cover on exterior installations for granite counters
Specialized technicians who will remove countertop stains professionally
Replacement countertops if stains cannot be removed.

To ensure you get the best out of our warranty service, it’s essential that you register your product and get it professionally sealed by a certified applicator. If you need help finding one, we can help!

Protection and Prevention

It’s said that prevention is better than cure. When it comes to kitchen countertop maintenance, it’s advisable to care for your counters day-to-day where possible. Protective measures include:

Invest in countertop scratch protection: As countertop surfaces become more popular, their attractiveness and value have increased. Many people are now using countertops as an investment in their homes, which means that they need to be protected from scratches, stains, and other damage. A countertop protection sealant from Granite & Marble Solutions will pay for itself over time by preventing costly repairs or replacements.
Use cutting boards and trivets: Stone countertops are durable and can withstand heat. Because of this, many of us think we don’t need to use trivets for hot pots. However, doing so can elevate the lifespan of your countertop, reduce the likelihood of “thermal shock,” and prevent possible scratching. Using cutting boards when you chop is also paramount to keep your counter looking as good as new.
Wipe spills immediately: In the event of a spill, it’s important to wipe it up immediately, especially if your countertop is made from a more porous material. Coffee, red wine, vinegar, and artificial colorants can stain certain materials, so quick action is important to reduce the likelihood of staining. While it might be tempting to use a harsh cleaner, always choose gentle, neutral products that won’t cause further damage or erode the stone.
Keep counters for prepping and entertaining: Avoid sitting on countertops! They were designed for prepping food and eating at rather than for sitting. Small fissures inside the stone might crack when exposed to extra weight. Get some bar stools if you love spending time around your countertop, and make it a focal entertainment hub within your home.
Maintain sealant: Countertop sealants won’t last forever, so it’s important that you get them checked every few years. Stones like marble or lighter shades might need more regular maintenance. Always consult your user manual and reach out to us if you need advice.

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The Best Cleaning Materials

We touched on cleaning your countertops earlier, but it’s certainly a point worth repeating: Avoid harsh cleaners! We understand that it can be all too tempting to reach for the strongest detergent when you’ve spilled coffee all over your marble countertop, but this can actually do more damage and erode the stone over time. When it comes to cleaning your countertops like a pro, the following solutions and products work like a charm!

A gentle solution of mild detergent or dish soap mixed with water
A neutral cleaner void of harsh chemicals
Gentle, microfibre cloths that won’t cause scratches

When to Seek Professional Maintenance Help

Sometimes, you’ve got to trust the countertop experts. If you’re wondering about sealing your countertop or want to inquire about a new sealant or brand new counter, we’re here to help.

At Granite & Marble Solutions, we have more than 25 years of experience in countertop installation and maintenance. Our team of experts is passionate about providing the best possible service to our customers. This is why we offer expert countertop protection products, so you can be sure that your countertops will be properly protected for years to come.

Protecting your countertops is important if you want them to last. Following our top tips can help you to keep your counter looking as good as new for longer, enhancing the value of your home, and adding a luxurious finish.

A quality sealant from Granite & Marble Solutions will prevent scratches, staining, and other damage. Shop our inventory today or contact us to learn more about our countertop protection products!

Reach out to us for a FREE, zero-obligation quote.